Transforming the Bayes estate

A historic building fit for the future

The new Bayes building is located in Finsbury Square, close to Moorgate, Old Street and Liverpool Street stations. First developed in 1777, today the 1.7 acre Square lies perfectly positioned between the City’s financial district and Tech City.

Most recently the London home of the University of Liverpool, 33 Finsbury Square has been leased by City to offer an improved student experience. It is the new home to students on the MBA, PhD and Executive Masters’ Apprenticeship Programmes, and is also the new hub for Executive Education.

Over the last year, the building has undergone a large-scale refurbishment and re-fit.

On the seventh floor, a new alumni lounge overlooks Finsbury Square. It is a place for Bayes alumni to work when in town, network with colleagues or just relax and take in the stunning skyline views. Reading nooks throughout the building offer quiet spaces to work or hold informal meetings.

There are new lecture theatres with capacity for up to 150 people, and flexible teaching spaces with furniture on wheels – allowing rooms to be configured for entrepreneurial pitches and group work.

The building boasts state-of-the-art digital facilities. A filming studio enables academics to generate content and film lectures, and a giant remote learning wall lets students taking online programmes (such as the Global MBA) interact, regardless of whether they are learning remotely, or sat on site in front of the screen.

High-spec syndicate rooms have been built for Executive Education, with translation booths for foreign clients, so they can be taught in their own language.

Damian Williams, Academic Operations Director, has been the Bayes lead for the redevelopment, working alongside Guido de Koning, Associate Project Manager, in City’s Property & Facilities department.

The team worked with an interior designer and collaborated with local artists to create feature walls and fill the building with art.

“Given the building’s location between the City and Shoreditch, we felt it was important to bring an element of creativity to the fit out.” Damian said.

Neighbouring residents in the Square include Grant Thornton, one of the world’s leading organisations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Many Bayes graduates have gone on to forge successful careers with Grant Thornton, amongst others, and the closer proximity will bring new opportunities for greater collaboration.

Bunhill Row redevelopment

Alongside the building work at Finsbury Square, the Bunhill Row site has also undergone a major revamp, to improve the ground floor reception, create additional office space and install fire-safety walls around kitchen areas. A new staff hub and events space has been created on the sixth floor.

Visit the new building

33 Finsbury Square will host the next Bayes Alumni Forum in Spring 2024, bringing together alumni from across the globe for a day of talks, networking and building tours. Make sure your contact details are up to date to ensure you receive news about the Forum.